KLOVE Radio Features – September 2022

IT’S NOT TOO LATE –

One of the biggest deceptions people believe about their lives, is that it’s too late for them to have a significant and meaningful change. It’s the truth that haunts the devil the most but, likewise, it’s the lie that robs each of us. C.S. Lewis wisely wrote, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” The restraints we feel often have more to do with the lies we believe, than with the limitations that actually exist. The newness of every aspect of the creation is designed to inspire us to believe for a new start and a fresh breeze from God. Today, wash your mind with the Word of God and begin to believe the truth again: it’s NOT too late to change.   

QUALITIES OF GREAT ATHLETES

A professional scout for NBA basketball teams once told me there are three primary qualities he’s looking for in an athlete. First of all is their competitiveness. Do they have a “never giving up” spirit? A commitment to rebound no matter how far they are down. Secondly, do they demonstrate an undaunted work ethic? Will they practice until they get it right and train until they’re fit? Deep within their soul, they have to realize that preparation is more important than presentation. You can’t prepare during the game. You get mental memory by practicing. And thirdly, gifted athletes must have innate intelligence: an awareness of self and what their team needs in order to win. The same is true for our Christian walk. Never give up; work hard; and play smart! Natural gifting can never make up for these essential learned qualities.

WHAT TRUE FAITH LOOKS LIKE 

What does it take to have faith that moves the heart of God? Believing that “God Can” is great. But there’s nothing unique about it. Even devils believe that God can. Being convinced is infinitely greater than merely believing that God just can. Abraham was “…fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised.” (Romans 4:21) Secondly, we have to know what’s on God’s heart. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” When we delight ourselves in God, He gives us His heart. He doesn’t fulfill good ideas. He accomplishes His ideas. Lastly, and most importantly, we may be convinced He can do something, even know He wants to do something, but are we fully persuaded that He will do what He promises to do? 

DANGERS OF GIVING INTO PAIN

There’s a reason an enemy uses pain and not pleasure to torture. No one ever gave up because of too much pleasure. Pain will make you leave a marriage for a mistress, only to regret it. Pain can even cause violent actions leading to dire consequences. Hopeless pain makes people believe lies and even want to end their lives. Pain can cause you to compromise your character and convictions. But the most important thing to remember about pain, no matter how serious it is: pain is only temporary. Our pain on Earth won’t last forever. On the other hand, God promises, “…weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5) And “…in His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

BUYING INTO YOUR FUTURE 

In chapter 32 of Jeremiah, God told him to buy a piece of land in Jerusalem shortly before it would be captured by the Babylonians. Hmm? Jeremiah knew full well that this calamity was about to happen, but God still had him invest in the future of His people. When Suzie and I received the Lord in the early 1970’s, America was in great turmoil. As new Christ followers, we had discussions about the viability of getting married and having children. But then we remembered that Jesus said, “Occupy till I come…” not be preoccupied. He said, “Go into every nation…” not hibernation. If God says, “Get married! Have children and buy the land!” Obey Him and do it! The future that belongs to God alone is ours if we can just believe Him for it.

WAKING YOUR SPIRIT UP

Every day, I don’t just have to wake up my body, I have to also awaken my spirit. I need to remember who I am, and all God has done in my life. Otherwise, I will spend my day walking in my sleep. When God parted the Jordan River for the children of Israel to go into their promised land, he told them to pick up rocks in the middle of the river and make a monument to remember. We need to remember the hardest moments in life, the most difficult situations, the greatest things God has done in us and for us. To live in faith and hope, we must build our lives on faith-filled memories and hope-filled moments. Remembering incorrectly will only distort our perspective. Cherish your big miracles as well as your little ones, both your Red Sea and Jordan River moments!